R.I.P.

Mario Henriquez, who died on March 29^th, entered our order in New Orleans. When he retired, he transferred to our San Antonio community. There he was elected Councillor when he was in his 80s. He served that community during a turbulent time in its history, and called for collaborative leadership. “We have to work as a five-some,” he said at one of their council meetings during that time. The council had a history of working as a one-some under the leadership of the president who referred to the council as “my council.” Mario helped lead them to a new model of leadership.

Provincial delegate, Fr. John Michael, wrote to the community when he heard of Mario’s passing, “I always considered Mario a man of prudence and discretion, and was so happy to have him on the council during a very difficult triennium for your community when the president, formation director and a councillor all resigned.” He was a model of perseverance who helped steer the boat when the storm winds shook.

Mario was born 02-July-22. He served in the U.S. navy in the Pacific theater during World War II. He was professed a Carmelite in New Orleans on 25-May-97, and made his Definitive Promise in June 2000. In 2003, when the President, Formartion Director and a councillor resigned in San Antonio, Mario was elected Councillor there. He served as Councillor until the election of 2005 when stability was restored. At that time he was having trouble thinking due to his age and medications, but continued to be a wonderful example to his community until his death. May he rest in peace.